Thursday, November 22, 2012

Stepping out with a few of the locals...

It's the Australasian Quilt Market (wholesale trade show) in Melbourne this weekend. I've decided not to exhibit this year but made a few samples for F.D. Textiles, to show off just how fabulous their fabrics look as my A-Line Skirt.

These two skirts are both made using the gorgeous Veritas Design fabric that I fell in love with at the Sydney AQM earlier this year. The denim is also supplied by F.D Textiles.

Loving the local gals, I am.

And I'm loving this skirt..... I didn't want to take it off.

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In Melbourne this weekend, there are also lots of opportunities to support local businesses. If you're in the city centre on Thursday evening, there are all sorts of good things going on in Flinders Lane and surrounds. Late night shopping with special offers with the small local retailers.

And on Friday, there's a group pop-up shop with Nina Wish Designs and a group of designer-makers from regional Victoria. They'll be at 112 Greeves St Fitzroy (my old street!) from 12noon-8pm.

In the days when I made hats for a living, Nina Wish was one of the boutiques I worked closely with. I made hats from their (mostly vintage) fabric offcuts, and helped out with garment patternmaking and sewing on a freelance basis. We quickly became the best of friends and 20 years later, I feel blessed to still count Marion and Gordon among my dearests.

I just dug out this photo, which I love, from somewhere in the early-mid 1990's. It's the very end of a parade....

The parades were hard work to organise, and there was always a build-up of stress and late nights, so when the party went off, it went off with a bang. We were young and energetic... so it was a big bang. For me, this picture captures that tipping-point moment perfectly. Good memories.

Have a good weekend everyone - and don't forget to support your local designers and makers.